Hotel Forum Varna
On 12 March 2026, the city of Varna hosted an event that put a magnifying glass key issues for the future of Black Sea tourism in Bulgaria. The third edition of the Hospitality & Tourism Summit - HTS 2026 was held at the Black Sea Hotel and gathered over 200 representatives of the hotel business - owners, managers, tour operators and solution providers.
Artefino was among the sponsors and participants, and the co-founder and face of the company Denitsa Peneva participated in a panel discussion to the professional community.
What topics did the Hospitality & Tourism Summit - HTS 2026 address?
The Hotel Forum was created by the organizers of HTIF - the most prestigious hotel conference in Bulgaria. For ten years it has gathers owners and managers, tour operators, airport operators, architects, designers and official guests.
The 2026 edition focuses on seaside hotels and the realities facing them at the start of the season. The program included discussions on topics that directly affect everyone involved in the industry.
Key themes in the discussions:
- Growth, decline or stabilisation - expectations for Black Sea tourism, presented by tour operators, airport directors and municipal administration.
- Profitability at rising costs - how hotel management can keep the product price competitive.
- Holiday apartments vs hotels - competition or symbiosis in the market.
- Restaurants in hotels and attracting the digital generation - the challenges facing the industry in the new decade.
- Distribution channels - tour operators, OTAs (Online Travel Agencies) and direct sales as strategic tools.
- Cultural heritage as a driver of tourism - the potential of Varna and the region.
Among the panelists were the Deputy Mayor of Varna for Tourism, directors of Varna and Burgas airports, managers of some of the most famous hotel complexes on the Black Sea coast, general managers of hotels in Primorsko, Sunny Beach and Varna, as well as representatives of leading tour operators. The event was held with the support of the Ministry of Tourism and attracted the attention of the entire industry.
The topic of trends in the hospitality industry was particularly relevant given the market data. In early 2026 on the Black Sea coast More than 800 categorised hotels with more than 60 000 rooms are in operation. In addition, the market offers between 25,000 and 30,000 holiday apartments - a capacity equal to 40-50% of hotel rooms.
This reality makes the issues of tourism partnerships and employment management an industry-wide priority. Tourism investors from across the region sought and found concrete answers and working models.
Participation of Artefino
Artefino was a sponsor of the discussion „Holiday apartments and hotels: competition, symbiosis or product evolution?“ - one of the central panels in the Forum's programme.
Denitsa Peneva, co-founder and co-manager of Artefino EOOD, personally participated in the discussion together with representatives of investors and hotel managers. The topic of the panel directly addressed the area in which we work - modern Exterior and spectacular Interior solutions for hotels, holiday complexes and apartment buildings.
Artefino's presence at such a major hotel event is due to the fact that the company is actively working with The Hotel sector. We we offer complete services for hotels - facade cladding, decking flooring, wall panels and garden furniture with premium quality.
Artefino's solutions are proven hotel investments because they are durable, aesthetically pleasing and require no costly maintenance. The forum was also an occasion for new meetings with hotel managers and owners from all over the Black Sea region.
How do we contribute to the success of hoteliers?
Hoteliers today are looking for Long-lasting offerings with low maintenance, compelling aesthetics and proven quality. This is where Artefino offers real value. Our products cover all key areas of the hotel building and adjacent space.
Façade cladding and facade beams dress the building with a modern look, without the need for annual maintenance. Sustainable composite wood retains its natural appearance in all climatic conditions, including the humid Black Sea climate. Tourism architecture requires materials that can withstand the weather and the expectations of the most demanding guests.
Decking turns terraces, pool areas and garden paths into stylish and functional spaces. On them no cracks, no discoloration and no oiling required. They are an ideal choice for high traffic hotels.
Interior wall panels add character to reception areas, conference rooms, corridors and common areas. The interior layout features easy installation, a durable look and is becoming an increasingly important factor in the overall guest experience.
Garden furniture with Italian design of the HIGOLD brand are developed by world-renowned designers. Artefino offers both the brand's premium collections and a special selection for hotels that combines comfort, durability and luxury look. HIGOLD has furnished over 200 hotels worldwide with garden furniture.
The furniture is suitable for terraces, beaches around swimming pools, outdoor dining areas, lobby areas and relaxation areas.
Modern hotel design requires a supplier who understands the specifics of the site and thinks about the overall concept. At Artefino we work directly with hoteliers, established architects and experienced designers, to provide solutions that stand the test of time and impress guests.
Our participation in the HTS 2026 Forum is a reflection of our commitment to the industry. We don't just deliver solutions, we are a partner in building spaces, where people feel comfortable and love to come back.